At least the Pan LX3 and Canon S90 for low light performance, and probably others.
That's my dilemma. I think I'm currently leaning towards the zoom versatility and giving up the low light performance. With the small sensor the low light performance just won't be there so why not have the flexibility of the additional zoom range. I looked a fair amount at the Canon G11 but it seems that the reviews I saw said it's sensor is actually a step down in ISO performance from the G10. And for the $$ they want for the G11 it seems to make sense to look at the Micro 4/3s cameras because of their larger sensors. I'm leaning towards a truly compact P&S with the DSLR available if I want real low light performance. Looked a bit at the S90 as well but it seems the Panasonic had a little better performance.
For what I'm looking for from this camera I think the Panasonic is feeling like the way to go.
The LX3 looks pretty nice as well, but once I get to the price range in the $400 - $450 range I just hesitate to drop that kind of cash on a smaller camera without really considering the Micro 4/3 format. I'm seeing them in the $650 range for a simple kit and you really get a whole different level of performance because of the sensor size. But then I'm back to some of the size drawbacks of the SLR.
I'm going to go and find somewhere I can play with the DMC-ZS7 & the LX3 side by side. Seems to me the key difference for my purposes is the choice between a faster lens with more limited range of the LX3 and the "superzoom" of the ZS7 at the expense of the fast aperture. It seems to me the sensor performance of the 2 cameras is very similar. My gut is I'll go for the ZS7. I'm simply not going to get the low light performance out of ANY point and shoot so why not maximize all the other functions. I want a simple pocket-able camera to take on the road without the encumbrances of the DSLR, unfortunately that means compromising on performance. I just want to have a camera that for typical tourist photo type use produces good results that I can carry with me all the time. If it could do a good job with concert shooting that would be great, but I don't think any of the choices are really able to fill the bill in low light.
I just want more that is really possible given the limitations of current sensors. I suspect in 5-10 years there will probably be a P&S that gets me there, but it is a ways away....
Thanks for all the good feedback. You guys always have solid insights.
This camera isn't out for a few weeks, but looks very promising for concert photograpy. It opens up to f/2
I'm looking for a camera to keep with me, just in case a photo op occurs, and also something that I can bring into shows where my 50D isn't allowed (or I don't want to lug it).
CANON SD 4000
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=20024
This camera isn't out for a few weeks, but looks very promising for concert photograpy. It opens up to f/2
I'm looking for a camera to keep with me, just in case a photo op occurs, and also something that I can bring into shows where my 50D isn't allowed (or I don't want to lug it).
CANON SD 4000
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=145&modelid=20024
I tend to agree with having full manual controls and RAW output as highly motivating features.
I also feel a small pocket size full featured 720P movie mode is very useful for some if not most people into image capture in public spaces. For this, of opinion that Panasonic's approach is likely the best combination for image quality/features/quality on-board mics.
So I went with the Panasonic DMC-ZS7. Overall I'm very happy. For my purposes it is great. Good at everything, great at nothing. Does not do bad in low light either, It's not my D300 but it is passable and I can get it in to pretty much any show...
in a related note, anyone played around with an EyeFi card? Picked up one and really like it.
Victor Wooten
Well enjoy it! I think you will find yourself taking more photos daily than you have with the d300.
What iso did you shoot the concert photos at?
hey there.so cool . :o :o
i went through this some months back ... and ended up buying an s90. however, for me long zoom range was not a consideration. from my experience p&s cameras just aren't up for it. plus i mainly shoot landscapes, travel, gatherings, etc... and use wide lenses much more frequently.
the top contender for me was the LX3. even then, late last year, it wason its way outan old model. it's also a LOT bigger than the s90. that being said, i think that the image quality from the LX3 is certainly better than the s90. i was shopping for a pocket camera, not only a DSLR substitute, and the LX3 was just too big.
i looked very briefly at the micro 4/3's cameras as well. these though, would be more of a replacement for my DSLR rig than an addition. if i didn't have my DSLR outfit i would go with one of these, but if i am going to carry a micro 4/3 camera i might as well carry my DSLR. one of the guys in my office has the GF-1, and it really takes some killer great photos. the zoom lens isn't all that, but with the pancake it's a nice setup and not TOO big. there are some cheaper ones as well. the E-PL1 for instance, but that thing just feels cheap to me.
a few s90 pictures, just for fun:
my dog at 70mph, dressed as a spider for halloween:(http://images.heikkilaine.com/albums/effi/IMG_0080_10_30_2009_4_09_22_PM.jpg)
my garage about to collapse, luckily only an effect of the lens:(http://heikkilaine.com/images/s90/IMG_0079.jpg)
railroad earth:(http://images.heikkilaine.com/albums/2009-11-28_RRE_stroudsburg/IMG_0216.jpg)
I don't know if I'd say the LX3 was, or is, on its way out, given I don't know of another compact camera offering similar performance in a similar price point and size. The S90 is both better and worse, depending on one's priorities -- they really suit different purposes, I think. Both great digital cameras, as far as compacts go.
Anyway, here's a good flickr set comparing the LX3 / S90 physical size (http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon_s90/pool/with/3870013699/). For sure, the LX3 is notably larger, though for my purposes as long as I can easily carry it in a case on my belt, I'm happy.